I accept that, but I see no evidence that we have real quality set to join us. I fully expect due to the quota rules, Phelps wont be here more than another 2 seasons.

That being said, he is the best fullback and the club and deserves to stay as long as possible due to his desire and pride in the jersey. Contrast that with Riddell/Fielden and I know who I would pick.

sadly though its not as simple as that. contracts must be honoured.

I know, but you understand the point I was making.

I agree but if we recruit two none federation trained players whether quality or not he will have to go. Same with Carmont.

If you want a quality prop and half back recruited, you can't keep Phelps as well.

What do people want most? To address the issues that most see as need addressing or reward an enthusiastic player? That is what it boils down to.

Dave

Yes but, its not really valid if the quality is available and contracts are honoured, sad but true.

Regarding Phelps he does give his all but that not enough for me, IF the quality is available. Were he at Salford or Celtic, Wigan fans would not praise him.

If we could sign Matt Orford & Dave Kidwell, then yeah, fine, Phelps will need to go, but if we are going for players at Darryl Griffin/Paul Johnson level then I will take Phelps everytime.

Phelps, what an absolute quality improvement he has made to our back line.

Yeah okay, we still conceding too many points for my liking, but I feel a hell of a lot safer with him at FB than anyone else in our team, including Pat.

Now we just need to tighten up the defensive line in front of him

Outshined Briscoe for me yday, and i know a lot of people would like him back.

Bottom line though is that if we can get a SH and PROP to come over from aus phelps will have to go.

He has to stay imo. He is safe as houses at the back and runs it out well. He gives it his all and we have bigger fish to fry then getting a new fullback in.

Long term we may look elsewhere but for next year he should be our number 1.

If Karl Pryce can get a contract, and Phelps doesn't, then the world has gone mad...

Phelps is looking decent in a poor team. Never proven to be save under a high ball that is being contested. Doesn't do anything outstanding, just looks half decent in that position.

If we ever wanna compete we need to let him go and bring in a better FB.

Although in an ideal world we would let Phelps go and bring in a top FB - such as who? Not a lot of top class full backs are available at present.

Given that we also need a top prop, a top class half-back quite possibly a second row (assuming we lose both Hock and Bailey or do we run youngsters??)

The salary cap will only go so far, even with the players we lose a prop and half-back would swallow up most of any free space.

We lose Hock, Smith possibly Bailey at the end of this season - would that be enough to sign a prop, half-back and full back (assuming we don't look for another 2nd row) - persoanlly I am not sure we would get a FB any better as prop and HB are surely the priority.